The Unlicensed Contractor Program was developed to protect the public, ensure qualified contractors are legally advertising and properly insured to perform the work in their trade, and maintain the credibility of the Construction Industry.

Things to know:

• All citizens pay for the effect of unlicensed activity on insurance costs, taxes, credit losses and for damage done to the owners, employees, and suppliers of licensed competitors.
• Unlicensed contractors cannot pull permits. This means the plans for the work to be done are not inspected and may or may not meet the local building codes.
• Doing business with an unlicensed contractor exposes consumers to a variety of risks involving liability claims, state and federal taxes, liens by vendors of material or labor, violations of law and the possibility that the job will not be completed in accordance with the minimum standards for the profession.
• The unlicensed person or firm skirts such responsibilities as liability insurance, worker's compensation, unemployment compensation, social security and reporting withholding of taxes.
• Installation of any major home appliance such as air conditioners, water heaters, electrical heaters, etc. by an Unlicensed Contractor may void the warranty on that product.
• If an appliance is improperly installed by an Unlicensed Contractor (water heater explodes, cross connection runs sewage into the drinking water, an air conditioner fire, etc.), the property owner's insurance will not cover it.

Citation Program:

• Brevard County has established a Citation program to assist in enforcing proper licensing.
• Qualified, trained field inspectors may issue a citation(s) for those in violation of Brevard County licensing code.
• A citation may be issued to anyone performing work without holding proper license and/or if performing work without pulling a building permit, if required.
• Citizens and contractors may call in a complaint if they suspect unlicensed activity is taking place. Attempt to have the correct address or location where the activity is taking place.
• When calling in suspected unlicensed activity, you DO NOT have to leave your name as the complainant.